Queen Cotton LXIX Amelia Claire Mickal

By: HEATHER BOGARD
Associate Editor

“I want to represent cotton in the agriculture industry in Louisiana and show people the importance and history of the cotton industry,” proclaims Queen Cotton LXIX Amelia Claire Mickal.
Mickal, the 21-year-old daughter of Tim and Colleen Mickal of Lafayette and granddaughter of Dr. Don and Bonnie Mickal, Audrey McBride and the late Michael H. McBride, is a 2021 graduate of St. Thomas More Catholic High School in Lafayette. She is currently a student at SLCC (South Louisiana Community College), where she is pursuing a degree in business management with a goal of working in International Business in Louisiana Agriculture.
The outgoing queen’s future plans include graduating from college and focusing on tourism and agriculture in the State of Louisiana. Her hobbies include fishing, kayaking, bike riding, working out and antique shopping. Mickal also is a volunteer at St. Joseph’s Diner and Faith House.
As Queen Cotton LXIX, Mickal has had the opportunity to travel throughout the State of Louisiana while representing the Cotton Festival at numerous other fairs, festivals and other events. One of the most amazing opportunities that stands out is traveling to Washington D.C. to participate in the Mystic Krewe of Louisianians Mardi Gras festivities.
Another highlight of her reign, she notes, is “traveling to new towns in our great state and meeting incredible people.” Mickal has attended over 60 festivals and events this past year, including the Amite Oyster Festival, Battle of Pleasant Hill and many more. Mickal admits, “I have held other titles, but this was my first Miss title so nothing has compared!”
To be a good festival queen, Mickal says, “I think it takes someone with an inviting personality and determination. Determination through the times when others doubt your capabilities. Determination when you’re too tired to travel. Determination through the times that your schedule doesn’t allow for time to breathe. Determination to fulfill expectations. And determination to uphold the legacy that those before you have paved.”
To Queen Cotton LXX, her successor, Mickal shares the following advice, “It’s not a race, so take it slow! Meet as many new people as you can, and travel our great state with a lot of pride!”
Mickal shares, “I have learned a lot about myself this past year. I’ve learned it takes a lot to balance my queen life and my regular everyday life, but the end makes it all worth it!” She adds, “I would like to thank the City of Ville Platte for believing in me to represent an incredible title and festival! Thank you to the amazing sponsors who have helped the Louisiana Cotton Festival in any and every way!”